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Carl Pei Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth11 September 1989

Age33 Years

BirthplaceBeijing, China

ProfessionEntrepreneur

NationalitySwedish

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyYounger sister

Carl Pei Biography

Carl Pei is a Swedish entrepreneur best known for co-founding OnePlus and later founding Nothing, a London-based consumer technology company. Born in 1989,

Early life and background

Carl Pei was born on 11 September 1989 in Beijing, China. His family moved when he was an infant, spending a few years in the United States before relocating to Stockholm, Sweden, where he grew up. Pei attended the Stockholm School of Economics and studied there from 2008, but he left the program before completing a degree.

Pei grew up multilingual and is fluent in English, Swedish, and Chinese. As a young student he gravitated toward computers and technology, a passion that shaped his early choices and led him away from formal studies and into the technology industry.

Career

Pei began his professional journey in the technology sector at an early age. At around 20 he had a short stint with Nokia. He then created a fan website for the Chinese electronics firm Meizu, which led to an invitation to work with Meizu’s marketing team. Later in 2011 he joined Oppo as an international markets manager, where he worked under industry colleagues including Pete Lau.

In 2013, at 24, Pei and Pete Lau co-founded OnePlus in Shenzhen. At OnePlus he took primary responsibility for design and marketing and served as the company’s Global Director. Under his leadership the company launched its first smartphone, the OnePlus One, in 2014 and followed with subsequent devices that helped the brand gain global attention.

Pei left OnePlus in 2020 to start a new venture. On 29 October 2020 he founded Nothing, a consumer technology company based in London. Nothing’s stated mission focuses on removing barriers between people and technology and creating a more seamless digital experience. The company’s backers include a range of well-known technology figures and investors.

Nothing launched its first product, ear (1), on 27 July 2021. The company introduced its first smartphone, Phone (1), globally on 12 July 2022. Phone (1) was noted for a distinct design that includes a transparent back and was launched in India with a listed price point.

Public profile

Through his career Pei has become a visible figure in consumer technology. He has been included on industry lists that recognized his influence, including Marketing Week Vision 100 and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016, and Fortune’s 40 Under 40 in 2019. He is credited with coining memorable product and brand taglines during his time at OnePlus, including the term "Flagship Killer" and the company’s "Never Settle" slogan.

Pei is known for a relaxed public persona and has shared personal details in interviews and social media. He has described a preference for a cluttered desk while working late, and has noted interests outside of business that include travel, reading, music, and mixed martial arts training. He has also expressed admiration for figures such as Steve Jobs.

Latest updates

After founding Nothing in late 2020, Pei led the company through the launch of ear (1) in July 2021 and the global release of Phone (1) in July 2022. The Phone (1) rollout included a launch in India. Following that release, a controversy arose on social media in India related to a prank unboxing video created by a regional content creator; the incident led to a wave of criticism directed at the brand and its leadership on Indian social platforms.

Personal life

Pei is a Swedish national and is unmarried. He has a younger sister. He is a non-vegetarian, describes himself as a social drinker, and has shared personal tastes such as a preference for ice cream and an enjoyment of anime. He has been photographed and interviewed discussing his workspace, hobbies, and small personal items he keeps on his desk.

Physical and additional details

Pei’s listed height is approximately 167 cm (5'6"). His eye and hair color are described as black. Among his stated preferences are entrepreneurs Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs, and he has spoken about organizational tools and gadgets he uses in his work life.
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Recent Work

ear (1)

Nothing's first product, a pair of wireless earbuds launched 27 July 2021.

2021
Phone (1)

Nothing's first smartphone, released globally on 12 July 2022 with a distinctive transparent-back design; launched in India at a listed price.

2022
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Career Highlights

  1. Co-founder and Global Director at OnePlus (2013–2020)
  2. Founder and CEO of Nothing Technology Limited (2020–present)
  3. Included in Marketing Week Vision 100 (2016)
  4. Included in Forbes 30 Under 30 (2016)
  5. Included in Fortune 40 Under 40 (2019)
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carl Pei born?

11 September 1989

What is Carl Pei known for?

Entrepreneur

What is Carl Pei’s marital status?

Unmarried